Pronounced 'cull-eela', the distillery is situated on the North Eastern shores of Islay with magnificent views across the Sound of Islay to the spectacular Paps of Jura. Join us for a tour and watch the distillers at work, tending to the 6 copper stills.
Due to the commencement of construction work on the major transformation of the Caol Ila Distillery visitor experience, tours of the distillery will be restricted to a limited number of pre-booked tours from Wednesday 26th June.
For the health and safety of the public while the construction work is underway the road into the distillery will be closed to traffic with no unauthorised access.
Anyone wishing to enquire about the times and availability of tours should do so by emailing: Caolila.distillery@diageo.com.
£7
1 hour
A journey through the whisky-making process whilst enjoying panoramic views of the Paps of Jura from our magnificent still house.
£23
1 hour
Sit back, relax and enjoy a verity of our exceptional whiskies served with a selection of luxurious chocolates crafted by the award winning Highland Chocolatier.
£27
1 hour 30 mins
A short and succinct visit to our magnificent still house, then its off to our old cooperage to taste a selection of the finest Caol Ila cask strength expressions.
10:15 – 16:00
10:15 - 17:00
10:15 - 17:30
Tel: 01496 302769
Email: caolila.distillery@diageo.com
The Distillery is located 1 mile from Port Askaig, one of Islay’s two ferry ports.
Take a peek at the ins and outs of our working distillery. From the magnificent views of the Paps of Jura to large scale whisky production at its best.
Uncover the history behind the liquid
In 1846, Glasgow distillery owner Hector Henderson picked a little bay on the Sound of Islay for his distillery site. He named it for the sound itself, using the Gaelic Caol Ila, and it was across this sound the little puffer ships made their round trips to the mainland – slowly helping to establish the distillery as the biggest on Islay.
Islay, the 'Queen of the Hebrides', is probably best known for its peaty, smoky whiskies. Some say they are the best in the whole world. Home to 8 working distilleries, Islay definitely has the process of making the stuff down to a fine art. Sláinte!
